Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been in education for forty-two years and counting as a teacher, coach, counselor and now as an administrator. I use my psychology and counseling background and my knowledge and fondness for kids in crafting my characters and dialogue. I have taken creative writing and screen writing courses at UCLA and USC. I have published four books, all available on Amazon and each to excellent reviews through True Visions Publications: Taking Lives (August 2014) the prequel to the Lives Trilogy; Stolen Lives (November 2014) Book One of the Lives Trilogy; Shattered Lives (March 2015) Book Two of the Trilogy; and Splintered Lives (November 2015) Book Three of the Trilogy. My fifth novel, Caught in a Web debuted April 2018 from Black Rose Writing and was named a PenCraft Literary Award Winner. Spiral Into Darkness launched January 2019. Born and raised in Wisconsin, I am happily married for twenty-six years and counting to my wife, Kim. Together we have three wonderful children: Wil (deceased July 2014), Hannah, and Emily, and they now reside in Virginia.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Spiral Into Darkness is my latest book. I wanted to play with the question, Is a serial killer born or made? and with that, two other themes emerged in the book: Is a family born or made? and is sexuality born or made? These three themes blend into the the totality of the book on a collision course to the ending.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I carve out one to two hours each night to write. Unlike many writers who isolate themselves in a room by themselves, I write in my family room with my family present, the TV on and the dog bothering me. I am able to concentrate better and can focus enough to tune out what needs to be tuned out. There are times, however, when I do go to a different room when I need to concentrate on getting a scene just right.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
One review compared me to James Patterson. She said, “If you love James Patterson, you’ll love Joseph Lewis.” I am proud of that one, but it also humbles me because I am influenced by him and I believe you can see it in my writing. Two other authors, John Sanford and David Baldacci I admire and have great respect for.
What are you working on now?
A follow-up to Spiral Into Darkness, tentatively titled Betrayed. Like my other books (and similar to what Patterson, Sanford and Baldacci do) I take characters from my previous books and move them forward into another adventure.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Twitter and Facebook a lot. I also use Indie Authors and other means. I took part in a blog blitz that helped get the word out. I also do a number of book signings in my area.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick with it and develop a thick skin. JK Rowling received 1500+ one star reviews for Harry Potter. Thankfully, she kept writing and look where she is, and her series is today! Stephen King first used a nail to stick his rejection slips to. They became too heavy and he had to use a spike. Follow your heart and you’ll do fine. We’re not in it for the money- though that would be nice- but for the love of writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read! Stephen Kings says that if you don’t read, you won’t have the tools to write. My own thought is that reading is to writing as weightlifting is to athletics.
What are you reading now?
Patterson’s “Target Alex Cross”. Love it!
What’s next for you as a writer?
After my WIP (work in progress), I’m shifting gears and going into the Young Adult genre to work on a story that has been playing out in the back of my mind. New characters, way different story line.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Stephen King’s “Different Seasons” (four novellas)
Peter Straub’s “Ghost Story”
Lord of the Flies
John Sanford’s “Eyes of Prey”
Author Websites and Profiles
Joseph Lewis Website
Joseph Lewis Amazon Profile
Joseph Lewis’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account